FIRE chiefs have revealed they believe an accelerant may have been used to start a blaze in an Acomb flat.

An arson investigation was launched by police after a blaze was started in a ground floor property, in Front Street, at 6.45pm on Monday.

Three crews and an aerial ladder platform tackled the fire for almost two hours when it broke out inside the block of flats.

An elderly man was forced to flee his home when the fire took hold.

Police are yet to arrest anyone in connection with the offence, but the fire officer in charge of the investigation has released more details about the blaze, which damaged a wardrobe and carpet, and caused smoke and heat damage throughout.

Colin Hunter, York station manager, said: "There is some evidence that an accelerant may have been used to start the fire, and at this time we are working with North Yorkshire Police to continue investigations.

"Thankfully there were smoke alarms fitted in the property, which activated, and alerted the properties above to the fire.

"We have a Hydrocarbon Detector and that indicates that an accelerant may have been used in particular spots.

"It doesn't say which accelerant or is 100 per cent certain that it has been used, but it's pretty reliable."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police added: "Officers are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

"In particular they would like to speak to people who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to phone York CID on 101.

This is the third arson attack in recent weeks in west York.

A man was arrested in connection with a fire in Thoresby Road, Acomb, on February 2, and a building at the old Manor School site was damaged ten days later.